3 Oct 2014

Search for missing boy into third day

9:43 am on 3 October 2014

Search and rescue teams are back scouring the coastline around Mount Maunganui for a missing five-year-old boy.

Jack Dixon was swept away by a large wave at Shelley Beach on Wednesday, during a trip with his family.

Land Search and Rescue teams are back searching the base track of Mount Maunganui and Surf Life Saving teams are out on the water for a third day.

Mount Maunganui beach this morning after a vigil was held for missing boy Jack Dixon overnight.

Mount Maunganui beach this morning after a vigil was held for missing boy Jack Dixon overnight. Photo: RNZ/Natalie Mankelow

Police say weather and tidal conditions meant divers have been unable to use their scuba gear. About 80 people gathered in the cold and rain at Mount Maunganui last night, holding vigils for Jack.

People from Tauranga, and further afield gathered on the beach near the base of Mount Maunganui lighting candles for the boy.